Paul Edward Murray Lamb sentenced at Chinchilla Magistrates Court to dangerous conduct with a weapon

A Western Downs man fired a rifle into the air trying to get the attention of his neighbours who were throwing a party, before threatening to burn their house down.

A man has claimed he had no memory of firing a gun and making disturbing threats to try and get the attention of his allegedly noisy neighbours.

Paul Edward Murray Lamb shot a rifle in the air to get the attention of his neighbours before threatening to burn down their house, Chinchilla Magistrates Court was told on June 8.

Police prosecutor Chris Hutchins said the Western Downs man drove his quad bike to a nearby property on April 29 after hearing noise from a party being held.

“Witnesses said he was intoxicated and slurring his words,” Sergeant Hutchins said.

The court was told witnesses at the party claimed Lamb was “belligerent” and they ignored him, so Lamb pulled out a rifle and fired a single shot in the air.

After firing the weapon, the court was told Lamb got into a verbal argument with the witnesses.

“(Lamb) threatened to burn the person’s house down,” Sergeant Hutchins said.

“They took the rifle off him, there’s no suggestion he pointed or at them or threatened them with it.”

Lamb pleaded guilty via email to one count of dangerous conduct with a weapon, carrying a weapon on private land without owner’s consent, discharge of weapon on private land without owner’s consent and possession of weapon while under the influence of liquor.

Magistrate Kyna Morice had reservations about dealing with the plea via email.

“It’s a concerning matter to deal with ex parte,” she said.

Sergeant Hutchins said if there were suggestions that Lamb had threatened them with the firearm they wouldn’t have been able to deal with the matter without his presence.

The court was told in the email Lamb explained he didn’t remember the disturbing offences.

“I know I did wrong and was intoxicated which is no excuse,” the email read.

“I’m just about to start a new job and have been living with my mother, I intend to get help for my drinking.”

Ms Morice said she would accept the plea and acknowledged Lamb’s remorse and insight into his issues with alcohol.

He was fined $800, and no conviction was recorded.